Role of verotoxin receptors in pathogenesis

Verotoxin-globotriaosyl ceramide (Gb,) binding is the linchpin in disease induced by verotoxin-producing Escherichia coli (VTEC), and defines cell sensitivity, tissue tropism, mode of systemic transport, specific cytotoxic activity and internal routeing within sensitive cells. Binding explains the epidemiology of renal pathology, which may follow VTEC infection. Lipid heterogeneity of Gb, is important in binding, and may define a growth-related signal transduction pathway used by verotoxin.